Gulzar, Kiran Rao, Junaid Khan Cast Votes in Maharashtra Local Body Elections

Celebrities Participate in Maharashtra Local Body Elections

Veteran poet and lyricist Gulzar proudly displayed his inked finger after casting his vote in the ongoing Maharashtra local body elections on Thursday. The 91-year-old literary icon, dressed in his signature white kurta-pyjama, visited a polling booth accompanied by a companion. He paused for photographers outside the station, showing his marked finger with evident satisfaction.

Bollywood Figures Exercise Democratic Duty

Producer Kiran Rao, former wife of actor Aamir Khan, also fulfilled her civic responsibility. She cast her vote and posed for photographers, proudly displaying her inked finger. Soon after, Aamir Khan's former wife Reena Dutta arrived at the polling booth with her children, actor Junaid Khan and daughter Ira Khan.

Junaid Khan was spotted at the poll station with his family. He urged people to vote, emphasizing its importance. "Everyone should come out to vote," he stated, highlighting the significance of democratic participation.

Social Media Encouragement

Actor Maniesh Paul took to social media to share a picture of himself showcasing his inked finger. He flashed a smile at the camera in the photograph. For the caption, he simply wrote: "Mumbai please go and vote...#mp #vote."

Gulzar's Message to Voters

In a comment given to ANI, Gulzar emphasized the importance of voting. "We are rooted in our homeland, and your vote is to nurture those roots and to nurture democracy," he said. "Be sure to fulfil this duty..." His words resonated with the spirit of civic engagement.

Election Details and Arrangements

Polling for the 29 municipal corporations began at 7.30 a.m. and concluded at 5.30 p.m. According to the State Election Commission, arrangements were made across 39,147 polling stations. These stations were equipped with 43,958 Control Units and 87,916 Ballot Units.

In Mumbai specifically, there were 10,111 polling stations with 11,349 Control Units and 22,698 Ballot Units. Elections were originally scheduled for 2,869 seats, including 227 seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Contested and Uncontested Seats

Polling was held for 2,801 seats, as 68 candidates were elected unopposed. No voting took place for these uncontested seats. A total of 3.48 crore voters decided the fate of 15,931 candidates, including 1,729 candidates in Mumbai alone.